In this Entry:Practicing Patience/ Our remarkable bodiesRambling Tips/ Accessible walksBook Recommendation/ Betty Practicing Patience Okay, bear with me faithful readers. But yes, watching skin heal from a second degree burn has allowed me to practice the fine art of patience. And observation. Two things my "quick to be and act" nature isn't always good at. … Continue reading Life’s (sometimes surprising) Joys
Before I submitted my final draft of My Music Man to my publisher, I teasingly gave each of my four brothers the opportunity to change their first name. To go incognito, although it really wouldn’t be for those who know our family. None of them took me up on the offer and I’m not sure … Continue reading One of the Boys (Almost)
In this Entry:State of the World/ Feel Better TipsPersonal Reflection/ Power of ConnectionJust Because/ McMenaminsPostscript I don’t know about you, but I’ve been feeling a bit down lately. Given the state of so much in our world - war, politics, inflation - it's no surprise. Add our own or loved ones' aging or health challenges, … Continue reading The Joy Survival Kit: Staying Up When Life Gets Heavy
Songbook PDX, April 11, 2026 at Salon Rouge. Photo credit: Adam Strong. I enjoyed hanging out with other writers last night at Salon Rouge's Songbook PDX. Yes, to being in community during these edgy times. Even better: listening to a variety of writers share their work, followed by a song selection. Writers and poets like … Continue reading Heartstrings on Demand
I did not expect to be retired from my primary profession at this point in my life. Yet another reminder to expect that life will surprise us. No matter what kind of planning we do. And to be prepared to roll in new or different directions. It's been just over a year since I officially … Continue reading Navigating Life Changes: Insights on Retirement
I loved the book, Hanna's Ascent by fellow Bedazzled Ink Publishing author Jayna Sheats. That's the take-away here, but some background first. Ten years and five books into this publishing episode of my life, I’m appreciative of the authenticity and mission of my publisher, Bedazzled Ink Publishing. Way back when seeking a publisher for My … Continue reading Celebrating Bedazzled Ink: The Power of Women’s Voices
Yeah, somewhere along the way I remember learning it not to be particularly helpful if we get too hyped up on happenings. Do some groundwork, sit back, and believe that things will take care of themselves. I’m getting much better at this. It reminds me of a paragraph I wrote when I committed to exactly … Continue reading Calmness Amid Events on Steroids
No doubt, we are overwhelmed by news in these times. I'm listening to Ian McEwan's book, What We Can Know, and its futuristic look back at both information sharing and truth in contemporary time is disturbing and thought provoking. Many of my friends and supporters are pulling out of social media altogether, which I understand. … Continue reading Engaging Readers Amid Social Media Fatigue
I have rarely been this excited to share a birthday gift with a loved one. Now you get a sneak peek early, so mum's the word! The beauty too, is that my creation of this gift has gifted me moments of joyful interludes within this difficult world we are all part of. And while those … Continue reading How Family History Inspires Storytelling for Kids
From My Music Man, 2017 I love winter along our Willamette Valley rivers; the Willamette in particular. Like many, I worry that this winter's lack of snow and cold leads us further into drought and continued symptoms of climate change, regardless of what a certain uninformed individual claims. And while I too today will make … Continue reading Seeking Moments of Joy: The Serenity of Champoeg in the Winter